Effectiveness of corrective exercise with and without the Alexander technique on forward head, round shoulder and function in violin players

Effectiveness of corrective exercise with and without the Alexander technique on forward head, round shoulder and function in violin players: a randomized control trial

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

IRCT

Registry ID

IRCT20260421069127N1

Enrollment

Registered

2026-04-30

Start date

2026-04-28

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-06-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Forward head posture (forward head angle abnormality). Postural kyphosis

Interventions

Intervention 1: Intervention group: Participants assigned to the Corrective Exercise Group will perform an 8-week corrective exercise program designed to address forward head posture and rounded shoul

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 35 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Forward head angle greater than 46° and rounded shoulder angle greater than 52° At least three years of playing experience No concurrent use of other corrective or therapeutic interventions Not engaged in occupations involving prolonged postures or repetitive movements No history of fractures, surgery, or joint disorders affecting the spine or shoulder girdle No structural or functional shortening greater than 2 cm in either upper limb No participation in regular exercise programs

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Failure to complete the training program in accordance with the study objectives or unwillingness of the participant to continue the program Observation of any pathological symptoms during the training sessions Absence from more than three training sessions

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The primary outcome in this record is the rounded shoulder angle. This variable reflects the anterior displacement and protraction of the shoulder girdle in the sagittal plane. It has been selected as a primary outcome to evaluate postural alignment of the shoulder girdle in violin players and to determine whether the eight-week intervention leads to improvement in shoulder posture. Timepoint: The rounded shoulder angle will be measured at two time points: at baseline before the beginning of the intervention, and after completion of the eight-week intervention period. Method of measurement: The rounded shoulder angle will be measured using digital photogrammetry in the sagittal plane. Standardized lateral photographs will be taken from each participant, and the images will be analyzed using Kinovea motion analysis software to calculate the two-dimensional rounded shoulder angle.;The primary outcome in this record is upper extremity function. This variable reflects the functional status of the arm, shoulder, and hand during daily and instrumental activities. It has been selected as a primary outcome to evaluate whether the eight-week intervention leads to improvements in upper limb functional capacity in violin players. Timepoint: Upper extremity function will be evaluated at two time points: at baseline before the beginning of the intervention, and after completion of the eight-week intervention period. Method of measurement: Upper extremity function will be assessed using the full Persian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. This validated questionnaire will be completed by participants to determine their level of functional limitation in the upper limb.;The primary outcome in this record is the forward head angle. This variable represents the alignment of the head in the sagittal plane and indicates the degree of anterior displacement of the head relative to the trunk. It is selected as a primary outcome to evaluate the postural	—

Measure

Time frame

The primary outcome in this record is the rounded shoulder angle. This variable reflects the anterior displacement and protraction of the shoulder girdle in the sagittal plane. It has been selected as a primary outcome to evaluate postural alignment of the shoulder girdle in violin players and to determine whether the eight-week intervention leads to improvement in shoulder posture. Timepoint: The rounded shoulder angle will be measured at two time points: at baseline before the beginning of the intervention, and after completion of the eight-week intervention period. Method of measurement: The rounded shoulder angle will be measured using digital photogrammetry in the sagittal plane. Standardized lateral photographs will be taken from each participant, and the images will be analyzed using Kinovea motion analysis software to calculate the two-dimensional rounded shoulder angle.;The primary outcome in this record is upper extremity function. This variable reflects the functional status of the arm, shoulder, and hand during daily and instrumental activities. It has been selected as a primary outcome to evaluate whether the eight-week intervention leads to improvements in upper limb functional capacity in violin players. Timepoint: Upper extremity function will be evaluated at two time points: at baseline before the beginning of the intervention, and after completion of the eight-week intervention period. Method of measurement: Upper extremity function will be assessed using the full Persian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. This validated questionnaire will be completed by participants to determine their level of functional limitation in the upper limb.;The primary outcome in this record is the forward head angle. This variable represents the alignment of the head in the sagittal plane and indicates the degree of anterior displacement of the head relative to the trunk. It is selected as a primary outcome to evaluate the postural

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Countries

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Contacts

Public ContactEbrahim Mohammad ali nasab firouzjah

Urmia University

Ebrahim.mzb@gmail.com+98 44 3275 2741

Outcome results

None listed

Source: IRCT (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Jun 11, 2026